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Crown felt they couldn't prosecute for manslaughter or criminal negligence causing death

Crown prosecutors say there was not enough evidence to support charges of manslaughter or criminal negligence causing death. (CBC)

The Fredericton Police say there will be no charges laid in the death of Walter "Buddy" Wheeler, who died from injuries he suffered in a fight outside of a nightclub in September.

The 54-year-old man was injured in a fight outside of the Twenty-20 Club in Fredericton on Sept. 29 and he died on Oct. 3 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

A man was arrested on Oct. 8 in connection with Wheeler’s death. The man was interviewed and released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.

The Fredericton Police and a group of prosecutors from the Office of Public Prosecutions Services examined Wheeler's file in mid-November and considered the charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death.

"As a result of this in-depth and thorough analysis of the evidence and factual information contained in this file, it has been determined that the events that lead to the death of Walter "Buddy" Wheeler did not meet the elements required to successfully prosecute a charge of manslaughter or a charge of criminal negligence causing death," the police statement said.

In New Brunswick, the Crown must approve charges before they are laid. The police said investigators worked closely with Crown prosecutors during the investigation.

Fredericton Police investigators met with Wheeler’s family to discuss the outcome of the investigation.

The police probe into Wheeler’s death has now concluded.

Wheeler, a father of four, was beaten in the parking lot outside the club.

A witness said in October the altercation involved a member of a biker gang.